Little Falls double shooting links confirmed

Authorities in Little Falls say they've confirmed a connection between a home burglary and another break in that ended with two fatal shootings.

Police say they first encountered Nicholas Brady when neighbors reported a suspicious car parked near their home. Brady claimed to have run out of gas and got a ride from the scene from a Morrison County deputy.

Sheriff Michel Wetzel said officers didn't realize an unoccupied home nearby had just been burglarized.

Brady and his cousin, Haile Kifer, were shot to death in a second break-in the next day. A car found at that scene matched the vehicle Brady was found with the night before.

Investigators also found prescription medication that belonged to the homeowner.

Wetzel said investigators are looking into other burglaries in the area, as well. The victim of the second break in, Byron Smith, has been charged with murder for killing Brady and his cousin after shooting and wounding them in his basement.

This is the home owned by Byron Smith north of Little Falls, Minn. Smith has been charged with murder for killing two teens after shooting and wounding them in his basement last week.Photo courtesy Morrison County Assessor's OfficeView full galleryThis Nov. 23, 2012, photograph provided by the Morrison County Sheriff's Office shows Byron David Smith. The Morrison County man has been arrested after he told police he shot and killed two teenagers who he said were breaking into his home on Thanksgiving Day.AP Photo/Morrison County Sheriff's OfficePolice say the home of Richard Johnson, a former English teacher in Little Falls, may have been burglarized by Haile Kifer and Nicholas Brady while Johnson was traveling abroad. Upon his return, Johnson found the home in disarfay; drawers had been pulled out, a glass door shattered, and prescription drugs missing.MPR photo/Conrad WilsonPolice say the home of Richard Johnson, a former English teacher in Little Falls, may have been burglarized by Haile Kifer and Nicholas Brady while Johnson was traveling abroad. Upon his return, Johnson found the home in disarfay; drawers had been pulled out, a glass door shattered, and prescription drugs missing.MPR photo/Conrad Wilson